Experts in many different climate change and coastal disciplines were brought together for a workshop to identify and prioritise coastal vulnerabilities and associated climate change impacts for Pacific Island countries. The report provides a systems perspective of the issues and an understanding of the options and priorities for further activity.

Regional media training workshop have been held in the Cook Islands with people who disseminate climate change information in the Pacific, such as news reporters and NGO workers. Attendees noted an improved understanding of climate change issues and increased confidence in accessing information and reporting on climate change following the workshop.

Activities such as the following are still underway:

Internships and mentoring arrangements between Pacific and Australian scientists are addressing the high demand from partner countries for stronger research collaboration and longer term capacity building activities.

The potential financial impact of climate change-affected cyclones in the Pacific is being assessed by integrating climate hazard models developed by the Pacific Catastrophe and Risk Assessment and Financing Initiative (PCRAFI) with Geoscience Australia’s Tropical Cyclone Wind Risk Model.

Paper records of weather data are being located and converted to digital format. This addresses the lack of historical weather data in digital format in the Pacific which is a major limitation to understanding past and future climate change in each country.

The scientific basis is being developed to provide improved seasonal predictions for sea-level, tropical cyclones and extreme ocean temperatures – which lead to coral bleaching – in the Pacific.

An educational toolkit using Pacific-relevant illustrations will improve the capacity of teachers to deliver up-to-date skills and knowledge to their students on adaptation options in the Pacific.

Who is involved?

Pacific island countries involved in the PACCSAP are:

Cook Islands

Federated States of Micronesia

Fiji

Kiribati

Marshall Islands

Nauru

Niue

Palau

Papua New Guinea

Samoa

Solomon Islands

Tonga

Tuvalu

Vanuatu

Partner countries and regional organisations have been closely involved in the development and implementation of the program.

Further information can be found through the Australian agencies assisting in the delivery of these the program: